UNOFFICIAL TEXT · CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL LAW · www.cil.nus.edu.sg
1998 HA NOI PLAN OF ACTION
Adopted by the Heads of State/Government at the 6 th ASEAN Summit
in Ha noi, Viet N am on 15 December 1998
[
https://www.asean.org/687.htm ]

INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
I. STRENGTHEN MACRO ECONOMIC AND FINANCI AL COOPERATION ……………………………….. 2
II. ENHANCE GREATER ECONOMIC INTEGRATION ………………………………………………………… 4
III. PROMOTE SCIENC E & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND DEVELOP I NFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRU CTURE ……………………………………………………………………………… 15
IV. PROMOTE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ADDRESS T HE SOCIAL IMPACT OF THE FINANCIAL
AND ECONOMIC CRISIS ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 15
V. PROMOTE HUMAN RE SOURCE DEVELOPMENT ………………………………………………………. 16
VI. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROMOTE SUSTAINA BLE DEVELOPMENT………………. 17
VII. STRENGTHEN REG IONAL PEACE AND SECU RITY …………………………………………………….. 18
VIII. ENHANCE ASEAN ’S ROLE AS AN EFFECTI VE FORCE FOR PEACE, JUSTICE, AND
MODERATION IN THE AS IA-PACIFIC AND IN THE W ORLD ………………………………………………. 19
IX. PROMOTE ASEAN A WARENESS AND ITS STA NDING IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 19
X. IMPROVE ASEAN’S STRUCTURES AND MECHA NISMS ……………………………………………….. 20

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INTRODUCTION
The Second ASEAN Informal Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur on 15 December 1997,
adopted the ASEAN Vision 2020 which sets out a broad vision for ASEAN in the year
2020: an ASEAN as a concert of Southeast Asian Nations, outward looking, living in
peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together in partnership in dynamic development
and in a community of caring soc ieties.
In order to implement the long -term vision, action plans are being drawn up to realise
this Vision. The Ha noi Plan of Action (HPA) is the first in a series of plans of action
building up to the realisation of the goals of the Vision.
The HPA has a six-year timeframe covering the period from 1999 to 2004. The progress
of its implementation shall be reviewed every three years to coincide with the ASEAN
Summit Meetings.
In recognition of the need to address the current economic situation in the region ,
ASEAN shall implement initiatives to hasten economic recovery and address the social
impact of the global economic and financial crisis. These measures reaffirm ASEAN
commitments to closer regional integration and are directed at consolidating and
streng thening the economic fundamentals of the Member Countries.
I. STRENGTHEN MACROECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL
COOPERATION
To restore confidence, regenerate economic growth and promote regional financial
stability through maintaining sound macroeconomic and financi al policies as well as
strengthening financial system and capital markets enhanced by closer consultations, so
as to avoid future disturbances.
1.1 Maintain regional macroeconomic and financial stability.
1.1.1 Strengthen the ASEAN Surveillance Process ; and
1.1.2 Structure orderly capital account liberalisation.
1.2 Strengthen financial systems.
1.2.1 Adopt and implement sound international financial practices and
standards, where appropriate by 2003;
1.2.2 Coordinate supervision and efforts to st rengthen financial systems;
1.2.3 Develop deep and liquid financial markets to enabl e governments and
private firms to raise long-term financing in local currency, thereby reducing the
over dependence on bank finance and limiting the risks of financial cr isis;
1.2.4 Adopt and implement existing standards of disclosure and dissemination of
economic and financial information; and

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1.2.5 Adopt prudential measures to mitigate the effects of sudden shifts in short –
term capital flows.
1.3 Promote li beralisation of the financial services sector.
1.3.1 Intensify deregulation of the financial services sector; and
1.3.2 Intensify negotiations of financial sector liberalisation under the ASEAN
Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS).
1.4 Intensify cooperation in m oney, tax and insurance matters.
1.4.1 Study the feasibility of establishing an ASEAN currency and exchange rate
system;
1.4.2 Establish an ASEAN Tax Training Institute by 2003;
1.4.3 Enhance the role of “ASEAN Re Corporation Limited” as a vehicle to
fu rther promote regional cooperation in reinsurance business; and
1.4.4 Establish an ASEAN Insurance Training and Research Institute by 2003.
1.5 Develop ASEAN Capital Markets.
1.5.1 Adopt and implement internationally accepted practices and standards by
the year 2003, and where appropriate at a later date especially for the new
Member Countries;
1.5.2 Establish a set of minimum standards for listing rules, procedures and
requirements by 2003;
1.5.3 Coordinate supervision of and programmes to strengthen capital markets;
1.5.4 Improve corporate governance, transparency and disclosure;
1.5.5 Develop a mechanism for cross -listing of SMEs among ASEAN capital
markets by 2003, and where appropriate at a later date for the new Member
Countries;
1.5.6 Facilita te cross -border capital flows and investments;
1.5.7 Facilitate clearing and settlement systems within ASEAN;
1.5.8 Promote securitisation in ASEAN;
1.5.9 Foster collaborative and cooperative networks among capital market
research and training centres i n Member States;
1.5.10 Prepare the framework to develop bond markets in ASEAN by 2000; and
1.5.11 Promote networking among development banks in Member States for
financing of productive projects.

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II. ENHANCE GREATER ECONOMIC INTEGRATION
To create a stable, prosperous and highly competitive ASEAN Economic Region in
which there is a free flow of goods, services and investments, a freer flow of capital,
equitable economic development and reduced poverty and socio- economic disparities.
2.1 Accelerate the i mplementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).
2.1.1 Trade liberalisation
a. Maximise the number of tariff lines whose CEPT tariff rates shall be
reduced to 0- 5% by the year 2000 (2003 for Vietnam and 2005 for Laos
and Myanmar);
b. Maximise the number of tariff lines whose CEPT tariff rates shall be
reduced to 0% by the year 2003 (2006 for Vietnam and 2008 for Laos and
Myanmar); and
c. Expand the coverage of the CEPT Inclusion List by shortening the
Temporary Exclusion List, Sensitive List and General Exception List.
2.1.2 Customs harmonisation
a . Enhance trade facilitation in customs by simplifying customs
procedures, expanding the Green Lane to cover all ASEAN products and
implementing an ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature by the year
2000;
b . Prom ote transparency, consistency and uniformity in the classification
of goods traded within ASEAN and enhance trade facilitation through the
provision of facilities for obtaining pre- entry classification rulings/decisions
at national and regional levels by t he year 2003;
c. Promote the use of transparent, consistent and uniform valuation
methods and rulings through the implementation of the WTO Valuation
Agreement by the year 2000;
d . Operationalise and strengthen regional guidelines on mutual
assistance by t he year 2003 to ensure the proper application of customs
laws, within the competence of the customs administrations and subject
to their national laws;
e . Fully operationalise the ASEAN Customs Training Network by the year
2000; and
f . Undertake customs re form and modernisation, in particular to
implement risk management and post -importation audit by the year 2003.
2.1.3 Standards and conformity assessment

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a. Harmonise product standards through alignment with international
standards for products in priorit y sectors by the year 2000 and for
regulated products by the year 2005;
b . Implement the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Mutual Recognition
Arrangements (MRAs) by developing sectoral MRAs in priority areas
beginning in 1999; and
c. Enhance the technical infrastructure and competency in laboratory
testing, calibration, certification and accreditation by the year 2005, based
on internationally -accepted procedures and guides; and
d . Strengthen information networking on standards and technical
regulation through t he use of, among others, the Internet, with the aim of
meeting the requirements of the WTO Agr eement on Technical Barriers
to Trade and WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and
Phytosanitary Measures.
2.1.4 Other trade facilitation activities
a . Establish a mechanism of information exchange and disclosure
requirements to promote transparency of government procurement
regimes by the year 2003 to facilitate participation of ASEAN nationals
and companies;
b . Establish contact points in 1999 to facili tate ongoing exchange of the
above information;
c. Encourage the liberalisation of government procurement;
d . Establish a mechanism of information exchange by 2003 to promote
transparency of each domestic regulatory regime by publishing annual
reports detailing actions taken by ASEAN Member States to deregulate
their domestic regimes; and
e . Encourage the increased use of regional currencies for intra- ASEAN
trade transactions.
2.2 Implement the Framework Agreement on ASEAN Investment Area (AIA).
The ASEAN Investment Area aims to enhance the competitiveness of the region for
attracting higher and sustainable levels of direct investment flows into and within
ASEAN. Three broad- based programmes of action shall form the thrust of the AIA
arrangement. These are Cooperation and Facilitation, Promotion and Awareness, and
Liberalisation Programme. These programmes shall be implemented through individual
and collective action plans, within the agreed schedules and timetable. The ASEAN
Investment Area is to be realised through implementing, among others, the following key
measures:
a . Immediately extend national treatment and open up all industries for
investments. However, for some exceptions, as specified in the Temporary

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Exclusion List and the Sensitive List, these will be progressively liberalised to all
ASEAN investors by 2010 or earlier and to all investors by 2020 in accordance
with the provisions of the Framework Agreement on AIA;
b . Identify and progressively eliminate restrictive investment measures;
c. Liberalise rules, regulations and policies relating to investment; rules on
licensing conditions; rules relating to access to domestic finance; and rules to
facilitate payment, receipts and repatriation of profits by investors;
d . Complete implementation of all the measures and activities identified in the
Schedule 1 of “Cooperation and Facilitation Programme” under the AIA
Agreement by 2010 or earlier;
e . Complete implementation of all the measures and activities identified in the
Schedule II of “Promotion and A wareness Programme” under the AIA Agreement
by 2010 or earlier;
f . Improve and enhance the measures and activities of the Cooperation and
Facilitation, and Promotion and Awareness Programmes to further strengthen the
implementation process of the AIA arran gement;
g . Undertake active and high profile joint investment promotion activities to
promote greater awareness of investment opportunities in ASEAN to global and
regional investors. This shall include, among others, joint publications of
investment and business information as well as databases and statistics;
h. Promote freer flow of capital, skilled labour, professionals and technology
among ASEAN Member States;
i. W ork towards establishing a comparable approach of FDI data collection,
measurement and reporting among the Member States;
j. Undertake activities to increase transparency of investment regimes of Member
States; and
k. Identify areas for technical cooperation in human resource development, R&D,
infrastructure development, SME and supporting industry development,
information and industrial technology development.
2.3 Liberalise Trade in Services.
The ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services will strengthen service suppliers and
introduce more competition into this large and important sector of ASEAN Member’s
States and open new doors for service suppliers in the region.
2.3.1 Liberalisation
a. Progressively liberalise trade in services by initiating a new round of
negotiations beginning 1999 and ending 2001;

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b. Expand the scope of negotiations in se rvices beyond the seven priority
sectors, identified at the Fifth ASEAN Summit, to cover all services
sectors and all modes of supply;
c. Seek to accelerate the liberalisation of trade in services through the
adoption of alternative approaches to liberalis ation; and
d. Accelerate the free flow of professional and other services in the
region.
2.3.2 Facilitation
a . Encourage the free exchange of information and views among
professional bodies in the region with the view to achieving mutual
recognition arrangements;
b . Conduct an impact study by the year 2000 on the removal of transport,
travel and telecommunication barriers in ASEAN; and
c. Develop standard classification and categorisation of tourism products
and services to facilitate the region’s impleme ntation of the General
Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the ASEAN Framework
Agreement on Services (AFAS).
2.3.3 Cooperation
a . Strengthen and enhance existing cooperation efforts in service sectors
through such means as establishing or improving infrastructure facilities,
joint production, marketing and purchasing arrangements, research and
development and exchange of information;
b . Develop cooperation activities in new sectors that are not covered by
existing cooperation arrangements; and
c. Coo perate to harmonise entry regulations with regard to commercial
presence.
2.4 Enhance food security and global competitiveness of ASEAN’s food, agriculture and
forestry products.
ASEAN would strive to provide adequate levels of food supply and food access ibility
within ASEAN during instances of food shortages to ensure food security and at the
same time, enhance the competitiveness of its food, agriculture and forestry sectors
through developing appropriate technologies to increase productivity and by prom oting
intra – and extra– ASEAN trade and greater private sector investment in the food,
agriculture and forestry sector.
2.4.1 Strengthen food security arrangements in the region.
a. Enhance ASEAN food security statistical database and information by
establ ishing an ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) which

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would allow Member States to effectively forecast, plan and manage food
supplies and utilisation of basic commodities;
b. Develop a Common Framework to analyse and review the regional
food trade policies in the light of the AFTA, and to enhance intra- ASEAN
food trade by undertaking a study on the long -term supply and demand
prospects of major food commodities (rice, corn, soybean, sugar, pulses
and oilseeds) in ASEAN;
c. Strengthen the food mark eting system of agricultural cooperatives for
enhancing food security in ASEAN; and
d. Review the Agreement on the ASEAN Emergency Rice Reserve
(AERR) to realise effective cross -supply arrangements of food during
times of emergency.
2.4.2 Devel op and adop t existing and new t echnologies.
a . Conduct collaborative research to develop new/improved technologies
in food, agriculture and forestry production, post -harvest and processing
activities and sharing of research results and available technology;
b . Conduc t R&D in critical areas to reduce the cost of inputs for food,
agriculture and forestry production; and
c. Strengthen programmes in food, agriculture and agro- forestry
technology transfer, training and extension to increase productivity.
2.4.3 Enhance the marketability of ASEAN food, agriculture and forestry
products/c ommodities.
a. Develop, harmonise and adopt quality standards and regulations for
food, agriculture and forestry products;
b . Promote diversification of forest products; and
c. Promote and i mplement training programmes and share and exchange
expertise in the field of food, agriculture and forestry.
2.4.4 Enhance private sector i nvolvement.
a . Conduct a study to identify high- impact investment opportunities in key
areas under the food, agriculture and forestry sectors in ASEAN and to
provide essential information for investment decisions on these
opportunities; and
b . Establish networking and strategic alliances with the private sector to
promote investment and joint venture opportunities in A SEAN.
2.4.5 Enhance ASEAN cooperation and joint a pproaches in international and
regional i ssues.

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a. Strengthen ASEAN’s cooperation and joint approaches in addressing
issues and problems affecting trade in the region’s food, agriculture and
forestry produc ts including environment and labour issues; and
b . Seek closer cooperation and negotiate, through relevant ASEAN
bodies, with trading partners on market access for ASEAN products
2.4.6 Promote capacity building and human resources development.
a . Promote and implement training programmes in the field of food,
agriculture and forestry, including the exchange of experts; and
b . Develop and strengthen agricultural rural communities through
enhanced human resource development.
2.5 Intensify industrial cooper ation.
a. Expedite the implementation of AICO.
b. Establish a Directory of Major ASEAN Manufacturing Companies;
c. Explore the merits of common competition policy;
d. Increase value- added contribution of ASEAN Manufacturing Sector;
e. Explore/develop other areas of cooperation that has not been covered under
the existing arrangement; and
f. Establish R&D/ Skill Development Centres.
2.6 Foster small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Recognising that small and medium scale enterprises constitute the majority of industrial
enterprises in ASEAN and that they play a significant role in the overall economic
development of Member States, ASEAN needs to cooperate in order to develop a
modern, dynamic, competitive and efficient SME sector. The SME cooperation will
addr ess priority areas of human resource development, information dissemination,
access to technology and technology sharing, finance and market. The SME cooperation
will also ensure the development and implementation of non- discriminatory market-
oriented poli cies in ASEAN that will provide a more favourable environment for SME
development.
2.6.1 Facilitation
a. Encourage Member States to establish national export financing/credit
guarantee schemes for SMEs;
b. Explore the possibility of establishing regional export financing/credit
guarantee scheme;
c. Explore the possibility of establishing an ASEAN Investment Fund for
SME; and
d. Explore the possibility of establishing a trade or industrial cooperation
scheme to promote intra- ASEAN cooperation for SMEs.

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2.6. 2 Cooperation
a. Compile Member States’ SME policies and best practices in selected
sectors to enhance mutual understanding and possible adoption;
b . Compile and provide information to SMEs on policies and opportunities
including electronic media such as the Internet websites;
c. Promote information networking between existing SME -related
organisations in ASEAN;
d . Promote awareness among SMEs on benefits and availability of other
sources of finance such as venture- capital and equity;
e . Enhance interacti ons between Government Sector Institutions (GSI)
and Private Sector Institutions (PSI) on SME development by convening
biennial GSI/PSI conference;
f . Undertake selected sectoral regional study on the potential areas of
finance, market, production technolo gy and management for possible
trade and industrial cooperation between/among SMEs in the region;
g . Organise annual ASEAN match -making workshops to promote SME
joint -ventures and linkages between SMEs and LSEs;
h . Organise annual joint ASEAN trade promoti on activities/trade
exposition;
i . Encourage national venture -capital company to go regional;
j . Organise annual meetings of all national Credit Guarantee Corporations
(CGC) in ASEAN;
k. Harness the capacity of non- ASEAN SMEs as a source of technology
to A SEAN SMEs;
l . Organise biennial ASEAN technology exposition;
m . Organise regular joint training programmes, seminars and workshops
for SMEs;
n . Compile and publish a directory of resource persons in ASEAN in the
area of production technology and management ;
o . Develop programmes on entrepreneurship development and innovation
in all Member States; and
p . Assist new members of ASEAN on SME development through
specialised training programmes and technical assistance.
2.7 Further intellectual property cooperat ion.
To ensure adequate and effective protection, including legislation, administration and
enforcement, of intellectual property rights in the region based on the principles of Most

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Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment, national treatment and transparency as s et out in the
TRIPS Agreement.
2.7.1 Protection
a. Strengthen civil and administrative procedures and remedies against
infringement of intellectual property rights and relevant legislation; and
b. Provide and expand technical cooperation in relation to ar eas such as
patent search and examination, computerisation and human resource
development for the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement;
2.7.2 Facilitation
a . Deepen Intellectual Property policy exchange among ASEAN Member
States;
b . Survey the current st atus of intellectual property rights protection in
each ASEAN Member State with a view to studying measures, including
development principles, for the effective enforcement of intellectual
property rights;
c. Develop a contact point list of public and busi ness/private sector
experts on intellectual property rights and a list of law enforcement
officers, the latter list for the purpose of establishing a network to prevent
cross- border flow of counterfeits;
d . Exchange information on well -known marks as a fir st step in examining
the possibility of establishing a region- wide trademark system;
e . Exchange information on current intellectual property rights
administrative systems with a view to simplifying and standardising
administrative systems throughout the r egion;
f . Ensure that intellectual property legislation conform to the TRIPS
Agreement of the World Trade Organisation through the review of
intellectual property laws and introduction of TRIPS -consistent laws. This
would begin with a comprehensive review of existing legislation to be
completed by the year 2000; and
g . Strengthen intellectual property administration by setting up an ASEAN
electronic database by the year 2004 on patents, designs, geographical
indications, trademarks and information on copyri ght and layout design of
integrated circuits.
2.7.3 Cooperation
a . Implement an ASEAN Regional Trademark and Patent Filing System
by the year 2000;
b . Establish an ASEAN Regional Fund for Trademark and Patent by the
year 2000;

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c. Finalise and implement an ASEAN Common Form for Trade Mark and
Patent Applications;
d . Establish a regional trademark and patent registration system; or
establish a regional trademark or patent office (on voluntary basis);
e . Promote accession of Member States to international treaties;
f . Promote Intellectual Property public and private sector awareness;
g . Introduce Intellectual Property as a subject in the curriculum of higher
learning institutions;
h . Develop training programmes for Intellectual Property officials; and
i . Enhance intellectual property enforcement and protection through
establishing mechanisms for the dissemination of information on ASEAN
intellectual property administration, registration and infringement;
facilitating interaction among legal and judicial bodies through seminars,
etc.; facilitating networking among intellectual enforcement agencies;
encouraging bilateral/plurilateral arrangements on mutual protection and
joint cooperation in enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights .
2.8 Encourage electronic c ommerce.
2.8.1 Create policy and legislative environment to facilitate cross -border
Electronic Commerce;
2.8.2 Ensure the coordination and adoption of framework and standards for
cross- border Electronic Commerce, which is in line with international standards
and practices; and
2.8.3 Encourage technical cooperation and technology transfer among Member
States in the development of Electronic Commerce infrastructure, applications
and services.
2.9 Promote ASEAN tourism.
2.9.1 Launch the Visit ASEAN Millennium Year as the catalytic focus for the first
plan of action;
2.9.2 Conduct Strategic Studies for Joint Marketing of the ASEAN Region in the
21st Century, and the convening of Top -level Tourism Marketing Missions to
promote the region;
2.9.3 Develop a W ebsite/Information Database on relevant tourism statistical
data and other related information within the ASEAN Secretariat by the beginning
of the year 2000;
2.9.4 Establish a Network among ASEAN Tourism Training Centres with
emphasis on new job skills and new technologies by 2001 in tourism policy and
planning;

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2.9.5 Develop trainer and training material database for ASEAN to be completed
by 2001;
2.9.6 Conduct Eco -Tourism Promotion Programmes for Travel Trade and
Consumers;
2.9.7 Complete cruise tour ism development study in ASEAN by the year 2000.
2.9.8 Encourage the establishment of the ASEAN Lane for facilitating intra-
ASEAN travel;
2.9.9 Increase the use of the Internet or other electronic global distribution
systems in the ASEAN travel industry; and
2.9.10 Launch the ASEAN Tourism Investment Guide in 1999.
2.10 Develop regional infrastructure.
To intensify cooperation in the development of highly efficient and quality infrastructure,
and in the promotion and progressive liberalization of these services sectors:
2.10.1 Transport
a. Develop the Trans -ASEAN transportation network by the year 2000 as
the trunkline or main corridor for the movement of goods and people in
ASEAN, consisting of major road (interstate highway) and railway
networks, principal ports and sea lanes for maritime traffic, inland
waterway transport and major civil aviation links;
b. Operationalise the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of
Goods in Transit by year 2000. For this purpose, its implementing
Protocols wil l be finalised and concluded by December 1999;
c. Target the conclusion and operationalisation of the ASEAN Framework
Agreement on the Facilitation of Inter -State Transport by the year 2000;
d. Implement the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Multimodal
Transpor t;
e. Develop a Maritime/Shipping Policy for ASEAN to cover, among
others, transhipment, enhancing the competitiveness of ASEAN ports,
further liberalisation of maritime transport services, and the integration of
maritime transport in the intermodal and lo gistics chain;
f. Adopt harmonised standards and regulations with regard to vehicle
specifications (e.g. width, length, height and weight), axle load limits,
maximum weights and pollution or emission standards;
g. Institute the policy framework and modalit ies by the year 2000 for the
development of a Competitive Air Services Policy which may be a gradual
step towards an Open Sky Policy in ASEAN; and
h. Develop and implement the Singapore -Kunming Rail Link and the
ASEAN Highway Network Projects.

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2.10.2 Tele communications
a . Achieve the interoperability and interconnectivity of the National
Information Infrastructures (NIIs) of Member States by the year 2010;
b . Develop and implement an ASEAN Plan of Action on Regional
Broadband Interconnectivity by the year 2000; and
c. Intensify cooperation in ensuring seamless roaming of
telecommunications services (i.e., wireless communications) within the
region, as well as in facilitating intra -ASEAN trade in telecommunications
equipment and services.
2.10.3 Energy
a . E nsure security and sustainability of energy supply, efficient utilisation
of natural energy resource in the region and the rational management of
energy demand, with due consideration of the environment; and
b . Institute the policy framework and implementa tion modalities by 2004
for the early realization of the trans -ASEAN energy networks covering the
ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans -ASEAN Gas Pipeline Projects as a
more focused continuation of the Medium -Term Programme of Action
(1995- 1999).
2.10.4 Water ut ility
a . Cooperate on a regular basis, exchange of information, knowledge,
and experiences among Member States as means to improve water
resources management and water supply system within the region; and
b . Support the development of Trans -ASEAN land and submarine
pipeline for conveyance of raw water between ASEAN Member States.
2 .11 Further development of growth areas.
To narrow the gap in the level of development among Member States and to reduce
poverty and socio- economic disparities in the region.
2. 11.1 Actively expedite the implementation and further development of growth
areas such as the Brunei -Indonesia- Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth
Area (BIMP -EAGA), Indonesia- Malaysia-Singapore Growth Triangle (IMS -GT),
Indonesia- Malaysia-Thailand Grow th Triangle (IMT -GT), and the inter -state areas
along the West -East Corridor (WEC) of Mekong Basin in Vietnam, Laos,
Cambodia and North -eastern Thailand within the ASEAN -Mekong Basin
Development Cooperation Scheme.
2.11.2 Facilitate the economic integrati on of the new Members into ASEAN.

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III. PROMOTE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND
DEVELOP INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE
3.1 Establish the ASEAN Information Infrastructure (AII).
3.1.1 Forge agreements among Member Countries on the design,
sta ndardization, inter -connection and inter -operability of Information Technology
systems by 2001.
3.1.2 Ensure the protection of intellectual property rights and consumer rights.
3.2 Develop the information content of the AII by 2004.
3.3 Establish networks of science & technology centres of excellence and academic
institutions by 2001.
3.4 Intensify research & development (R&D) in applications of strategic and enabling
technologies.
3.5 Establish a technology scan mechanism and institutionalise a syste m of science &
technology indicators by 2001.
3.6 Develop innovative systems for programme management and revenue generation to
support ASEAN science and technology.
3.7 Promote greater public and private sector collaboration in science and technology,
p articularly in information technology.
3.8 Undertake studies on the evolution of new working conditions and living
environments resulting from widespread use of information technology by 2001.
IV. PROMOTE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ADDRESS THE
SOCIAL IMPACT OF THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC CRISIS
4.1 Strive to mitigate the social impact of the regional financial and economic crisis.
4.2 Implement the Plan of Action on ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty
Eradication and, in view of the financial and economic crisis, implement the ASEAN Plan
of Action on Social Safety Nets to ensure that measures are taken to protect the most
vulnerable sectors of our societies.
4.3 Use the ASEAN Foundation to support activities and social development
programmes aimed at addressing issues of unequal economic development, poverty
and socio- economic disparities.
4.4 Implement the ASEAN Plan of Action for Children which provides for the framework
for ensuring the survival, protection and development of children.
4.5 Strengthen A SEAN collaboration in combating the trafficking in, and crimes of
violence against, women and children.

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4.6 Enhance the capacity of the family and community to care for the elderly and the
disabled.
4.7 Strengthen the ASEAN Regional Aids Information and Reference Network.
4.8 Enhance exchange of information in the field of human rights among ASEAN
Countries in order to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms of
all peoples in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the U niversal
Declaration of Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
4.9 Work towards the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Wo men and
other international instruments concerning women and children.
4.10 Strengthen regional capacity to address transnational crime.
4.11 Implement the ASEAN Work Programme to Operationalise the ASEAN Plan of
Action on Drug Abuse Control by 2004, and continue developing and implementing high –
profile flagship programmes on drug abuse control, particularly those related to
prevention education for youth, and treatment and rehabilitation.
V. PROMOTE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
5.1 Strengthen the ASEAN University Network and move forward the process of
transforming it into the ASEAN University.
5.2 Strengthen the education systems in Member Countries by 2001 so that all groups
of people, including the disadvantaged, can have equal access to basic, gener al and
higher education.
5.3 Implement the ASEAN Work Programme on Informal Sector Development to
provide opportunities for self -employment and entrepreneurship.
5.4 Implement the ASEAN Work Programme on Skills Training for Out -of -School Youth
by 2004, t o strengthen their capacity to obtain gainful employment.
5.5 Strengthen regional networking of HRD centres of excellence and develop the
regional capacity for HRD planning and labour market monitoring.
5.6 Establish and strengthen networks in education and training, particularly those
promoting occupational safety and health, skills training for out -of -school youth, distance
education by 2004.
5.7 Intensify efforts of the ASEAN Network for Women in Skills Training to enhance the
capacity of disadvant aged women to enter the work force.
5.8 Begin to implement the ASEAN Science and Technology Human Resource
Programme addressing the needs of industry and business by 2000.
5.9 Implement regional training programmes for ASEAN Civil Service Officers and
strengthen networks among ASEAN Civil Service Commissions.

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5.10 Establish networks of professional accreditation bodies to promote regional
mobility and mutual recognition of technical and professional credentials and skills
standards, beginning in 1999.
VI. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROMOTE
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
6.1 Fully implement the ASEAN Cooperation Plan on Transboundary Pollution with
particular emphasis on the Regional Haze Action Plan by the year 2001.
6.2 Strengthen the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre with emphasis on the
ability to monitor forest and land fires and provide early warning on transboundary haze
by the year 2001.
6.3 Establish the ASEAN Regional Research and Training Centre for Land and Forest
Fire Management by the y ear 2004.
6.4 Strengthen the ASEAN Regional Centre for Biodiversity Conservation by
establishing networks of relevant institutions and implement collaborative training and
research activities by the year 2001.
6.5 Promote regional coordination for the p rotection of the ASEAN Heritage Parks and
Reserves.
6.6 Develop a framework and improve regional coordination for the integrated protection
and management of coastal zones by the year 2001.
6.7 Strengthen institutional and legal capacities to implement A genda 21 and other
international environmental agreements by the year 2001.
6.8 Harmonise the environmental databases of Member Countries by the year 2001.
6.9 Implement an ASEAN regional water conservation programme by the year 2001.
6.10 Establish a regional centre or network for the promotion of environmentally sound
technologies by the year 2004.
6.11 Formulate and adopt an ASEAN Protocol on access to genetic resources by the
year 2004.
6.12 Develop a Regional Action Plan for the Protection of the Marine Environment from
Land- based and Sea- based Activities by the year 2004.
6.13 Implement the Framework to Achieve Long- Term Environmental Goals for Ambient
Air and River Water Qualities for ASEAN Countries.
6.14 Enhance regional efforts in addr essing climatic change.
6.15 Enhance public information and education in awareness of and participation in
environmental and sustainable development issues.

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VII. STRENGTHEN REGIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY
7.1 Consolidate and strengthen ASEAN’s solidarity, c ohesiveness and harmony by
strengthening national and regional resilience through enhanced cooperation and mutual
assistance to further promote Southeast Asia as a Zone of Peace, Freedom and
Neutrality.
7.2. Promote coherent and comprehensive programmes o f bilateral and regional
cooperation and technical assistance to ASEAN member states to strengthen their
integration into the community of Southeast Asian nations.
7.3 Ratify the Second Protocol of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast
Asia (TA C) as soon as possible.
7.4 Encourage and facilitate the accession by ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners and other
interested countries to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation with a view to developing the
TAC into a code of conduct governing relations between Sout heast Asian States and
those outside the region.
7.5 Formulate draft rules of procedure for the operations of the High Council as
envisioned in TAC.
7.6 Encourage greater efforts towards the resolution of outstanding problems of
boundaries delimitation b etween ASEAN member states.
7.7 Ensure border security and facilitate safe and convenient border crossings.
7.8 Encourage Member Countries to cooperate in resolving border -related problems
and other matters with security implications between ASEAN member countries.
7.9 Promote efforts to secure acceptance by Nuclear Weapon States of the Treaty on
Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon- Free Zone (SEANWFZ), including their early accession
to the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty.
7.10 Convene the Commission for SEANW FZ Treaty to oversee the implementation of
the Treaty and ensure compliance with its provisions.
7.11 Support and participate actively in all efforts to achieve the objectives of general
and complete disarmament, especially the non- proliferation of nuclear weapons and
other weapons of mass destruction.
7.12 Encourage ASEAN Member Countries parties to a dispute to engage in friendly
negotiation and use the bilateral and regional processes of peaceful settlement of
dispute or other procedures provided for in the U.N. Charter.
7.13 Enhance efforts to settle disputes in the South China Sea through peaceful means
among the parties concerned in accordance with universally recognized international
law, including the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.
7 .14 Continue efforts to promote confidence -building measures in the South China Sea
between and among parties concerned.

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7.15 Encourage all other parties concerned to subscribe to the ASEAN Declaration on
the South China Sea.
7.16 Promote efforts to establish a regional code of conduct in the South China Sea
among the parties directly concerned.
7.17 Intensify intra -ASEAN security cooperation through existing mechanisms among
foreign affairs and defense officials.
VIII. ENHANCE ASEAN’S ROLE AS AN EFFEC TIVE FORCE FOR
PEACE, JUSTICE, AND MODERATION IN THE ASIA -PACIFIC
AND IN THE WORLD
8.1 Maintain ASEAN’s chairmanship in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) process.
8.2 Undertake, actively and energetically, measures to strengthen ASEAN’s role as the
primary driving force in the ARF, including directing the ASEAN Secretary -General to
provide the necessary support and services to the ASC Chairman in coordinating ARF
activities.
8.3 Formulate initiatives to advance, on a consensus basis and at a pace comfortabl e to
all, the ARF process from its current emphasis on confidence- building to promoting
preventive diplomacy.
8.4 Promote public awareness of the ARF process and the need for ASEAN’s role as
the primary driving force in respective ASEAN Member Countries.
8.5 Continue the involvement of ASEAN defense and security officials together with
foreign affairs officials in ARF activities.
8.6 Develop a set of basic principles based on TAC as an instrument for promoting
cooperative peace in the Asia- Pacific region.
8.7 Enhance consultation and coordination of ASEAN positions at the United Nations
and other international fora.
8.8 Revitalize ASEAN’s relations with Dialogue Partners on the basis of equality, non-
discrimination and mutual benefit.
IX. PROMOTE ASEAN AWARENESS AND ITS STANDING IN THE
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
9.1 Support the activities of the ASEAN Foundation and other available resources and
mechanisms to promote ASEAN awareness among its people.
9.2 Launch, within ASEAN’s existing resources, a concerted communications
programme to promote ASEAN’s standing in the international community and strengthen
confidence in ASEAN as an ideal place for investment, trade and tourism.
9.3 Establish and operate an ASEAN satellite channel by year 2000.

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9.4 Provi de and disseminate materials on ASEAN’s efforts to cope with the financial and
economic crisis.
9.5 Publicise ASEAN’s HPA priorities through ASEAN’s external mechanisms with its
Dialogue Partners.
9.6 Develop linkages with mass media networks and websit es on key areas of ASEAN
cooperation to disseminate regular and timely information on ASEAN.
9.7 Prepare and adopt an ASEAN Declaration on Cultural Heritage by year 2000.
9.8 Mount professional productions of ASEAN performances and exhibitions within and
outside ASEAN and provide adequate mass media coverage on such activities.
9.9 Organize art and cultural immersion camps and exchange programmes for the
youth and encourage their travel to other ASEAN Member Countries.
9.10 Establish an ASEAN Multi -Med ia Centre by the year 2001 to conduct professional
training programmes and provide production facilities and services for mass media and
communication practitioners.
X. IMPROVE ASEAN’S STRUCTURES AND MECHANISMS
10.1 Review ASEAN’s overall organisational structure in order to further improve its
efficiency and effectiveness, taking into account the expansion of ASEAN activities, the
enlargement of ASEAN membership, and the regional situation.
10.2 Review and streamline ASEAN external relations mechanisms with its Dialogue
Partners, regional organisations and other economic groupings.
10.3 Review the role, functions and capacity of the ASEAN Secretariat to meet the
increasing demands of ASEAN and to support the implementation of the Hanoi Plan of
Action .